Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A.K. Sharma has directed the Mau district administration to take strict and impartial action against criminal extortion gangs, land mafias, and illegal activities allegedly operating under political patronage. He instructed the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to ensure that law and order is upheld and that no mafia network is allowed to regain influence in the district.
The minister said no individual or criminal group would be permitted to take the law into their own hands, engage in illegal extortion, encroach on land, or create an atmosphere of fear. He emphasized that any person believing they enjoy political protection should face action strictly in accordance with the law, without exception.
Sharma also expressed concern over reports of harassment faced by village heads (Gram Pradhans) in Mau. Through his representative, he conveyed displeasure over repeated inquiries based on what he described as baseless complaints. While stressing that all complaints must be investigated fairly, transparently, and on the basis of facts, he said genuine public representatives should not be subjected to unnecessary harassment in the name of investigations.
Describing Gram Pradhans as an essential pillar of rural governance, the minister said any attempt to intimidate or pressure them is inconsistent with democratic values.
He instructed administrative officials to give the highest priority to maintaining law and order and to launch a focused campaign against land mafias, extortion rackets, and individuals involved in intimidating citizens and elected representatives. Such action, he said, would help strengthen an atmosphere of good governance, public safety, and development in Mau.
Reaffirming the Uttar Pradesh government’s policy of zero tolerance towards crime and organized mafia activities, Sharma said the administration must work with complete impartiality and firmness while safeguarding the interests of honest public representatives and ordinary citizens.
